August 2012 Meeting Recap

DFW NORML’s first meeting at the Free Man this weekend was a resounding success. We packed this cajun bar & grill in Deep Ellum with more than 75 Texas activists and had our 420 Truth Enforcement car parked right out front. Great food, speakers, new faces and the $300 in donations made this one of our best meetings to date. Thanks again to John Jay Myers of the Libertarian Party for being a wonderfully NORML host.

Unfortunately, we had some U-Stream issues and half of the meeting wasn’t recorded. The other half is low quality video, but thanks to nice PA system at the Free Man – the audio turned out pretty well! Give it a listen for a taste of what we covered. Start at around 14:05 to skip through our intermission. If you can help make our online video streaming capabilities better, email shaun@dfwnorml.org!

♣ Volunteer & Event Coordinator Colin Wham told everyone about Evan Espinoza, and why he was our most outstanding volunteer of the month. Then he presented Evan with a “Pack NORML with Rick Steves” hemp backpack.. And there was much rejoicing. Yay!

♣ Outreach Coordinator Loretta Labrada discussed her experiences as a Texas marijuana activist at Seattle Hempfest 2012. Then she talked about the case of Stephen Keenan from SaveOurStephen.com. DFW NORML will be donating 200 wristbands to his campaign to help raise funds for his legal counsel. You can read a more in depth look at his story in our blog about it here. Email loretta@dfwnorml.org if you’re able to help in any way.

♣ Communications Director Will jenkins gave a brief recap of our Ace Race & Smokeout. He then told us about past marijuana bills in Texas, and the need for a more comprehensive bill for the 2013 legislative session. We as a chapter will be writing our own bill. Can you help? Email will@dfwnorml.org.

♣ John Jay Myers, owner of the Free Man & & Libertarian candidate for Senate spoke talked about Texas politics & the need for marijuana law reformers to vote for candidates that support their ways of thinking.

♣ Pete Marrero from Chronic Candy introduced his organization as the newest sponsor of DFW NORML, and discussed their involvement in our Nov. 3 event. He then let us listen to a song created by Blueprint Revolution, iQ Tha Chemist & Gloat Entertainment – especially for DFW NORML.

♣ NORML Conference 2012 – The Final Days of Prohibition was discussed. We as a chapter will be sending two representatives this year: Shaun McAlister & Will Jenkins, who have been invited to speak on a panel called “Putting The ‘Grass’ Into Grassroots Activism.” Why? To share our strategies for success with other activists. We’ll be capturing HD video throughout the trip to bring the experience back to the chapter, and share with the online world. We’re currently raising funds to help make this trip possible, so email shaun@dfwnorml.org if you can help.

♣ Shaun explained our needs for volunteers to continue to grow the chapter, and Will followed up with a short list of expectations from potential new volunteers.

Once the meeting was officially closed, a sexy & green photo shoot took place in the parking lot. The purpose? We’re having a car wash on September 16 in Arlington to raise funds for NORML Conference. These photos will be used to promote the event, so we needed something high quality! This was our first time working with Ashley Renee Photography, and it won’t be the last. She’s volunteered our resident photographer – so welcome to the family, Ash!